Assignment 14 - Benjamin Givens

Thanksgiving lacks any inherent wrong within its central idea as a holiday. The idea of families coming together to celebrate the positive aspects of their lives contains merit. Problems disseminate from the particulars of the event. Organizing the location and time; assigning tasks and dishes to be brought; preparing courses and cleaning the house to avoid judgement from your family. All these elements of Thanksgiving add up to a picture of stress and discomfort. An introvert's problems only begin with preparation. Social interactions can be exhausting and expectations abound as to what your responses will be. I'm doing good. School is going well. Automatic responses that have no weight. It is not necessarily that the statements are untrue. Certainly this year has surpassed the previous, but the it is without thought or consideration for reality; empty. Given this, Thanksgiving is a strange time. In order to make it more worthwhile, you have to put in the effort to take the opportunity to catch up with your family and express your thankfulness. If you fall into the trap of automation, nothing is gained.